Karim El-Bar
03 February 2022•Update: 03 February 2022
LONDON
Munira Mirza, one of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s top advisers, quit after he did not apologize over use of a discredited claim that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer failed to prosecute pedophile Jimmy Savile.
She announced her resignation in an open letter published in the right-wing Spectator magazine, which Johnson used to edit.
"I believe it was wrong for you to imply this week that Keir Starmer was personally responsible for allowing Jimmy Savile to escape justice," she wrote.
"There was no fair or reasonable basis for that assertion. This was not the usual cut and thrust of politics; it was an inappropriate and partisan reference to a horrendous case of child sex abuse.
"You tried to clarify your position today but, despite my urging, you did not apologise for the misleading impression you gave."
Savile was a famous media personality. After his death in 2011, it was uncovered that he was believed to have sexually abused hundreds of children, including at children’s hospitals. He died before facing justice for his crimes.
During this period, Starmer was director of public prosecutions, the most senior public prosecutor in England and Wales and head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Starmer had no involvement in the Savile case, but commissioned a report into why those responsible within the CPS did not act against Savile. The report was scathing and Starmer apologized on behalf of the organization.
Last week, Johnson said at Prime Minister’s Questions that Starmer had "spent most of his time prosecuting journalists and failing to prosecute Jimmy Savile, as far as I can make out."
Johnson’s remarks against Starmer were widely condemned, even within his own party.
Mirza’s resignation is another blow to Johnson who is already fighting for his political life after a series of leaks showing parties took place in Downing Street, some of which he attended, while the rest of the country was locked down during the pandemic.
She had been a long-time aide to Johnson, having previously worked for him when he was mayor of London.
A government spokesperson said: "We are very sorry Munira has left Number 10 and are grateful for her service and contribution to government."
Dominic Cummings, a former Johnson aide turned vehement critic, tweeted: “Moral courage from Munira who has done her best to make progress with a professional team throughout the horror since 11/20. It's also an unmistakeable signal the bunker is collapsing & *this PM is finished*.”
Earlier in the day, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, widely seen as the frontrunner to replace Johnson, was asked at a press conference about the prime minister’s comments. He replied: "To be honest, I wouldn't have said it."
Only a few hours after Mirza’s resignation, Number 10’s Director of Communications Jack Doyle also stepped down.
According to local media, he told staff: “It was always my intention to do two years. Recent weeks have taken a terrible toll on my family life. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication. I wish you all the best for the future.”
A Number 10 spokesperson confirmed, saying: "Jack Doyle has left government. He has made a huge contribution and the prime minister is immensely grateful for the work he has done."
